πŸ“° /reddit clients/

Alt Tag πŸ“Œ Curated by Dan / FMHY.net πŸ“… Last updated: 3.5.25 πŸ’¬ danxyz7 on Discord


Important Considerations: Finding Your Fit

Choosing a Reddit client is a deeply personal decision. Factors like preferred layout (classic vs. modern cards vs. compact), feature density, navigation style (buttons vs. gestures), and overall aesthetic vary wildly. There's no single "best" app – only the best app for you. This guide presents popular Android options, detailing their strengths and weaknesses to aid your choice. Clicking the client name links to a representative screenshot.

The Post-APIcalypse Landscape: Patching & API Keys Explained

Reddit's 2023 API pricing changes forced most free third-party apps to either shut down, transition to a subscription model, or be abandoned by their developers. However, the dedicated ReVanced community developed patches allowing users to revive many beloved apps.

How it Works: Patching typically involves using the ReVanced Manager tool to modify the app (APK file). Crucially, to bypass Reddit's new API limits, you must create and embed your own personal Reddit API key during the patching process. This associates the app's API usage directly with your Reddit account's free tier allowance, instead of relying on a developer's key which would be quickly exhausted.

What This Means for You:

  • Patching requires some technical comfort and isn't a simple Play Store install. Follow guides carefully (links provided).
  • You are responsible for creating and securing your API key.
  • Functionality might differ slightly from the original app pre-API changes (e.g., certain mod tools or push notifications might not work).
  • This guide indicates which apps require or benefit from patching.

πŸ₯“ BaconReader

  • Best For: Users seeking a clean, straightforward, traditional Reddit experience without overwhelming features.
  • 🩹 Patchable (Requires Own API Key)
  • Development Status: Abandoned (No updates/fixes, but functional when patched).

βœ… Pros

  • Clean & Organized: Familiar, easy-to-navigate traditional layout.
  • Inline Media: Views images, GIFs directly in the feed.
  • Multi-Account Support: Easily switch between profiles.
  • Readable Comments: Color-coding aids thread tracking.

❌ Cons

  • Limited Customization: Fewer visual tweaks than competitors.
  • Dated Feel: UI might feel old compared to modern designs.
  • No Active Development: Won't receive new features or bug fixes.

πŸš€ Boost for Reddit

  • Best For: Power users who crave deep UI customization and a vast array of features.
  • 🩹 Patchable (Requires Own API Key)
  • Development Status: Abandoned (No updates/fixes, but functional when patched).

βœ… Pros

  • Ultimate Customization: Extensive themes, fonts, layouts, view modes.
  • Feature-Rich: Robust filtering, advanced media handling (download/share), gestures.
  • Offline Browsing: Access saved posts without connection.
  • Multi-Account Support: Manage multiple profiles seamlessly.
  • Active Theme Community: (/r/BoostThemes)

❌ Cons

  • Potentially Overwhelming: Interface can feel cluttered due to feature density.
  • Occasional Lag: Some users report slowdowns on large feeds/older devices.
  • No Active Development: No future updates or fixes.

β™Ύ Infinity for Reddit+

  • Best For: Users valuing open-source, privacy, customization, and active development.
  • πŸ’° Pricing: Subscription ($2.99+ to $15/mo) OR Free with Patch (Requires Own API Key)
  • Development Status: Actively Developed.

βœ… Pros

  • Open Source & Privacy-Focused: Core appeal for many users. No ads/trackers (even without subscription/patch).
  • Highly Customizable: Themes, fonts, layouts (similar depth to Boost).
  • Modern UI: Clean interface with smooth animations.
  • Lazy Mode: Auto-scrolls feed for hands-free browsing.
  • Multi-Account & Offline Support.
  • Active Developer: Responsive community presence (/r/Infinity_For_Reddit).
  • Active Theme Community: (Theme Sharing Thread)

❌ Cons

  • Occasional Bugs: As with any actively developed app, new updates can sometimes introduce temporary issues.
  • Requires subscription or patching for full use post-trial/initial period.

🐨 Joey for Reddit

  • Best For: Users preferring a minimalist design, unique bottom navigation, and top-tier media downloading.
  • 🩹 Patchable (Requires Own API Key)
  • Development Status: Abandoned (No updates/fixes, but functional when patched).

βœ… Pros

  • Minimalist & Fast: Focuses on efficient browsing.
  • Excellent Media Downloader: Often cited for best-in-class Reddit video downloading (with sound).
  • Unique Bottom Navigation: Controls are easily reachable (subjective pro/con).
  • Autohide Read Posts: Keeps feed feeling fresh.
  • Customizable: Themes, fonts, gestures.
  • Multi-Account & Offline Support.
  • Active Theme Community: (/r/JoeyForRedditThemes)

❌ Cons

  • Bottom Navigation: Divisive UI element; not standard Android practice.
  • Lacks Advanced Features: Missing some deep moderation tools or filtering options.
  • No Active Development: No future updates or fixes.

πŸ“° Official Reddit Client

  • Best For: Users needing immediate access to all official Reddit features (Chat, Polls, new rollouts) or those unwilling/unable to patch third-party apps.
  • πŸ’° Pricing: Free (with Ads & Tracking) / Premium ($6/mo, removes ads, adds minor cosmetics) / Ad-Free with Patch (Note: Patching only removes ads, not other bloat/tracking).
  • Development Status: Actively Developed.

βœ… Pros

  • Full Native Functionality: Guaranteed access to Chat, Polls, Predictions, Live Events, etc.
  • First Access: Gets new official Reddit features immediately.
  • Official Support: Backed directly by Reddit.
  • Multi-Account & Mod Tools.

❌ Cons

  • Ads & Tracking: Intrusive ads (unless Premium/patched) and significant user tracking/telemetry.
  • Cluttered & Inconsistent UI: Often feels bloated; frequent redesigns can be jarring.
  • Performance Issues: Can feel sluggish, especially on older devices. Resource-heavy.
  • Limited Customization: Minimal control over appearance compared to third-party apps.

:closed_book: RedReader

  • Best For: Users prioritizing speed, efficiency, low resource usage, accessibility, and FOSS principles over visual flair.
  • πŸ’° Pricing: Free & Open Source (FOSS)
  • Development Status: Actively Developed. (Note: Exempt from API changes due to focus on accessibility)

βœ… Pros

  • Truly FOSS: No ads, no tracking, community-developed.
  • Extremely Lightweight & Fast: Excellent performance, even on low-end hardware. Battery-friendly.
  • Accessibility Focused: Strong support for screen readers and accessibility services.
  • Functional Interface: Clean, text-centric, highly efficient for browsing content.
  • Multi-Account Support & Basic Theming.

❌ Cons

  • Utilitarian UI: Very basic appearance may not appeal to users seeking visual richness.
  • Less Integrated Media: Previews are functional but less seamless than image-focused clients.
  • Fewer 'Power User' Features: Lacks deep filtering or advanced customization of some others.

πŸ”„ Relay for Reddit

  • Best For: Users who appreciate a smooth, modern, gesture-heavy interface with excellent comment navigation and solid mod tools.
  • πŸ’° Pricing: Subscription ($0.99 to $10/mo) OR Free with Patch (Requires Own API Key)
  • Development Status: Actively Developed.

βœ… Pros

  • Fluid & Modern UI: Polished interface with intuitive gesture controls.
  • Efficient Comment Navigation: Signature feature allows easy swiping between top-level comments.
  • Excellent Media Previews: Handles images, GIFs, videos seamlessly inline.
  • Comprehensive Mod Tools: Well-regarded by moderators.
  • Advanced Filtering & Multi-Account Support & Offline Mode.

❌ Cons

  • Performance: Some users report occasional stutters on certain devices.
  • Customization: Less granular UI tweaking options compared to Boost or Infinity.
  • Requires subscription or patching.

🌈 Reddit is Fun (RiF)

  • Best For: Long-time Redditors valuing speed, efficiency, stability, and a classic, no-nonsense interface.
  • 🩹 Patchable (Requires Own API Key)
  • Development Status: Abandoned (Legendary, but no updates/fixes; functional when patched).

βœ… Pros

  • Legendary Stability & Speed: Rock-solid performance, highly optimized over years.
  • Simple & Efficient: Uncluttered, text-focused interface prioritizes content.
  • Excellent Navigation: Clear thread structure, easy comment browsing.
  • Customizable: Multiple themes (incl. AMOLED), filters.
  • Multi-Account & Offline Support.

❌ Cons

  • Dated Aesthetic: UI looks old compared to modern apps (can be a pro for some).
  • Limited Features: Lacks some newer functionalities or deep customization.
  • No Active Development: Forever frozen in time.

πŸ‘» Stealth

  • Best For: Fans of Sync for Reddit's feature set and customization who want an actively developed, FOSS alternative with Material You design.
  • πŸ’° Pricing: Free (F-Droid) (Note: May require own API key depending on usage/build)
  • Development Status: Occasional Updates and Bug Fixes.

βœ… Pros

  • Based on Sync: Inherits the excellent features, UI structure, and customization of the original Sync.
  • Modern Design: Implements Material You theming.
  • Actively Developed Fork: Receives updates and bug fixes the original Sync no longer does.
  • FOSS Potential: Often available via F-Droid, appealing to open-source users.

❌ Cons

  • Fork Instability: As a newer fork, may occasionally have unique bugs not present in the final Sync version.
  • Development Reliance: Future depends heavily on its current developer(s).
  • API key requirement might still apply depending on the build source/method.

πŸ” Sync for Reddit

  • Best For: Users comfortable patching who specifically want the original Sync experience and features (pre-abandonment).
  • 🩹 Patchable (Requires Own API Key)
  • Development Status: Abandoned (No updates/fixes, requires patching. See Stealth for fork).

βœ… Pros

  • Polished Material Design UI: Was a benchmark for clean, attractive client design.
  • Feature-Rich & Customizable: Excellent feature set and theme options (when active).
  • Inline Media & Multi-Account & Offline Support.
  • Active Theme Community (Historical): (/r/redditsyncthemes)

❌ Cons

  • Requires Patching: Non-functional without user intervention and own API key.
  • No Active Development: Frozen feature set, potential compatibility issues over time.
  • Superseded by Stealth: The active Stealth fork offers a similar experience with ongoing updates.

πŸ› Slide for Reddit

  • Best For: FOSS enthusiasts desiring deep customization, advanced gestures, and a potentially excellent tablet experience.
  • 🩹 Patchable (Requires Own API Key)
  • Development Status: Abandoned (No updates/fixes, but functional when patched).

βœ… Pros

  • Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).
  • Highly Customizable: Extensive control over themes, fonts, layout.
  • Excellent Tablet UI: Offers multi-column layouts ideal for larger screens.
  • Advanced Gestures: Powerful swipe actions for navigation.
  • Multi-Account & Offline Support.

❌ Cons

  • Historically Buggy: Some users reported sync issues or instability in the past.
  • Can Be Resource Intensive: Might feel slower on older devices.
  • No Active Development: No future updates or fixes.

To-Do

  1. Add screenshots for Stealth and RedReader.
  2. Periodically verify development status and pricing/patching requirements for active apps.
  3. Keep patching guide links updated if ReVanced documentation changes location.
  4. Refine "Best For" summaries based on ongoing user feedback if possible.

⭐Special Thanks

Thank you to honkertonken, quatroph, wispy, Milan, Tomato and Hugo for their feedback, and their suggestions πŸ‘


If you feel that there are errors (or you just want to give general feedback), please feel free to reach out. πŸ’¬Discord: danxyz7

Edit Report
Pub: 08 Mar 2025 07:21 UTC
Edit: 03 May 2025 18:13 UTC
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